Phoenix of Alpha Sigma Alpha I Winter 2016

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Do you

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How to overcome impostor syndrome

New chapter installed in Colorado Alumnae surveyed on their membership experience p. 6

p. 16

Aspire, seek, attain in action!

Alexis Cain, BN, became the first woman to graduate and receive a College to Career Certificate of Completion in Kentucky. This program allows students with intellectual disabilities to obtain a higher education and apply for financial aid without needing a high school diploma. Pictured: Alexis and her mother Camme Cain PHOTO CREDIT: CAMME CAIN AND WPSD

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FEATURES Cover story, page 8:

Do you feel like a fraud?

How to overcome impostor syndrome 6 Theta Psi Chapter installation

14 #Imagine2016 preview 16 Alumnae survey results 18 Rediscover your passion

D E PA R T ME N T S 4 Editor’s desk 5 From the president 26 From the Alpha Sigma Alpha Foundation

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29 In memoriam 30 News & events 31 From the archives 32 Woman of poise and purpose

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E DI T O R ’ S D E S K Volume 102, Number 1

Dear readers,

Phoenix of Alpha Sigma Alpha (USPS 430-640) is

A few months ago we released Alpha Sigma Alpha’s 30 under 30. We featured 30 women who were nominated to be recognized based on their energizing influence in their career and community.

published quarterly by Alpha Sigma Alpha, 9002 Vincennes Circle, Indianapolis, IN 46268-3018.

Periodicals postage paid at Indianapolis, IN, and additional mailing offices. Produced by Shelle Design Inc., www.shelledesign.com. ©Alpha Sigma Alpha Send address changes, death notices and business correspondence to the national headquarters.

Address all editorial correspondence to the editor.

POSTMASTER: Send address changes (Form 3579) to

Phoenix of Alpha Sigma Alpha, 9002 Vincennes Circle,

As we move into this issue, where we talk about impostor syndrome, I can’t help but remember how some of the women we featured didn’t feel they earned the recognition as one of Alpha Sigma Alpha’s 30 under 30. One said that she never viewed herself as a very successful woman. Another said that although she knows she’s accomplished a lot, she experienced many failures as well.

Indianapolis, IN 46268-3018. Printed in the USA.

DEADLINES Winter

Sept. 10

Spring

Dec. 10

Summer March 10 Fall

June 10

EDITOR Katie Matis Smith, DH

CONTRIBUTING EDITOR Nancy I.Z. Reese, BU

NATIONAL HEADQUARTERS 9002 Vincennes Circle Indianapolis, IN 46268-3018

After reading about these women, I am sure you are thinking what I thought.

1. Each woman featured is amazing and clearly deserving of the recognition.

2. 30 under 30 didn’t promote perfection, and where did this idea that short of perfection equals undeserving or, even, a failure?

When you read through this issue where we celebrate the installation of Theta Psi Chapter, Colorado Mesa University, see a preview of 2016 National Convention & Leadership Conference and our feature article about impostor syndrome, think about this: What impact has Alpha Sigma Alpha Sorority made on society?

What impact has your chapter made on its community?

What impact have you made in your world?

Thank you, every day, for being a woman of poise and purpose.

Phone: (317) 871-2920 Fax: (317) 871-2924 Email: asa@AlphaSigmaAlpha.org

STAY CONNECTED www.facebook.com/AlphaSigmaAlphaSorority

Mizpah, Katie Matis Smith @kmatis25

www.twitter.com/asaHQ www.youtube.com/user/AlphaSigmaAlphaNHQ www.pinterest.com/AlphaSigmaAlpha www.instagram.com/AlphaSigmaAlpha

S HA R E Y O U R T HO U G HT S We always welcome your comments—both

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criticism and praise—about this publication. Email

Meet Alpha Sigma Alpha’s

kmatis@AlphaSigmaAlpha.org or send mail to: Editor, Alpha Sigma Alpha 9002 Vincennes Circle page 6

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Indianapolis, IN 46268-3018 Phoenix of Alpha Sigma Alpha | Winter 2016

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Beta Kappa Chapter installed Sorority award winners 2014-15

9/30/15 12:20 PM

F R O M T HE P R E S I D ENT

BY M E L I SSA KOC H M E R R I A M, E E | N AT I ON AL P RES I D EN T

As I am writing this article, I am days away from welcoming a baby girl into our family. I have always loved being a “boy mom,” but I am excited about the new adventure of raising a legacy. I find myself thinking about how it will be the same, but also different, having a little girl and eventually a young woman living in our house.

What wisdom will I want to share with my daughter? What skills and knowledge can I help her to learn as she is growing up? How will I help to mold her core values? What can I do to help her be authentically confident? How will I influence her as she becomes a young woman, possibly a sorority woman?

I think about my own story as I navigated learning about myself, learning to love my faults and my successes, while trying to be a humble person who lives by her values. It has been a lifetime of finding my way and feeling confident enough to admit my mistakes.

I can acknowledge that I have gotten myself into many situations where I had self-doubt as to whether I was good enough. Was I good enough to be a part of the team or organization, take on a leadership position or seize the next opportunity?

As an Alpha Sigma Alpha, I definitely found I was nervous when I was chosen to take on a new role whether it was as a collegian, as vice president of programming and ritual, traveling as a leadership consultant or more recently when I was elected as national president. New roles seem overwhelming to me, and I sometimes feel that I am not sure I have what it takes to be as good as those who have previously held the roles.

I recently saw this quote from Eleanor Roosevelt that resonated with me, “You must do the thing that you think you cannot do.” I think this is a great reminder when feeling anxious and overwhelmed about a new adventure.

It’s simple to look back and see that I was qualified and had support from others. Even though I had the skills, enthusiasm and desire to take on various leadership roles, it was still easy to feel “not good enough.” I would take the plunge after being encouraged by my mom, mentors and peers who believed in me and knew I had what it took to be successful in these jobs. These roles, even though they felt overwhelming, were actually what helped me grow as a follower and a leader. I am sure if you asked my mom right now, she would say that I was meant to take on these challenges and was perfectly

capable from day one. I want my daughter to never be held back by that uncertainty.

Recently I read Carry On, Warrior, The Power of Embracing Your Messy Beautiful Life by Glennon Doyle Melton, and I loved what she says about embracing yourself. To me, it sums up what I want my daughter and all Alpha Sigma Alpha women to know.

I want her to know, “If you feel something calling you to dance or write or paint or sing, please refuse to worry about whether you’re good enough. Just do it. Be generous. Offer a gift to the world that no one else can offer: yourself.”

I hope we all take this to heart as Alpha Sigma Alpha women. It’s a journey being authentically confident. Alpha Sigma Alpha not only expects great things from you but believes in you! Be yourself, you can do anything!

Love In Alpha Sigma Alpha,

Melissa Koch Merriam, EE National President @melissaamerriam

www.AlphaSigmaAlpha.org

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C H APTER IN S TAL L AT IO N

BY ALI MACDONALD, ΘM, LEADERSHIP CONSULTANT 2014-15

Theta Psi Chapter at Colorada Mesa University

In April 2015, Alpha Sigma Alpha installed its

Installation Theta Psi Chapter of Alpha Sigma Alpha was installed on April 11, 2015, at Colorado Mesa University. The weekend celebration took place on campus in the University Center Ballrooms. Collegiate and alumnae members came to celebrate the newest chapter of Alpha Sigma Alpha, including members of the Beta Beta Chapter, University of Northern Colorado, Zeta Pi Chapter, Colorado State University-Pueblo, and Theta Pi Chapter, Utah Valley University.

At the installation banquet, Vice President of Membership Jess Bridwell, ZP, delivered a keynote message to the attendees. She challenged the members to exceed the expectations set upon them.

She shared the national organization’s excitement for Theta Psi Chapter’s being the first Panhellenic organization at Colorado Mesa University, and that they are trailblazers and leaders on campus for working hard to establish it.

National representatives Jess Bridwell, ZP, vice president of membership Traci Quinones Collins, ZS, Foundation trustee

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Theta Psi Chapter installation team Melissa Koch Merriam, EE, national president Lisa Stephenson Ferro, EE, alumnae engagement coordinator Abby Somers, QZ, membership growth coordinator Ali McDonald, QM, leadership consultant Meet the chapter Collegian Libby Bierbaum is a legacy of Alpha Sigma Alpha.

Her mother, Desha “Myra” Bone Bierbaum, is an alumna of the University of Arkansas-Monticello where she joined the Gamma Zeta Chapter. As Libby was telling her mother about her experiences as a new member in the colony, Myra’s membership in Alpha Sigma Alpha was reignited. Myra began volunteering for the colony as an advisor, and she is now chapter advisor of Theta Psi. Member Crystal Dumbleton joined the Theta Psi Colony in her last semester at Colorado Mesa after learning about the Sorority and wanting to join an organization with purpose while creating new and lasting relationships. After Crystal graduated and earned her degree in criminal justice, she was accepted and is now attending Harvard Law School.

Charter members Courtney Abellera Taylor Aitaro Alexandria Baker Elizabeth Bierbaum Olivia Blackwell Laura Bloom Taylor Brantley Danielle Carrillo Sarah Coen Naomi Colman Edith Corona Conner DeShazer Amanda Dix Natasha Dudacek Crystal Dumbleton Madeline Eccher Carolyn Erickson Chelsie Fechtner Maya Freismuth Sophia Gaemi Sara Harvey Jessica Hicks Jordan Hitshew Madeline Hoffman Jaide Hubert Madison Johnston Hannah Kois

Jordan Lehr Katrina Lopez Kylar Lundin Marisa Mandel Sierra McHugh Kindred Michael Molly Mitchell Melina Montano Alyssa Perez Sara Perez Kathryn Perroni Candyce Piper Brianna Pollock Molly Rabon Meghan Raisley Katie Reynolds Caitlin Ross Nicole Rossi Meghan Sanger Bricelyn Schultz Kaitlin Schwark Michelle Scott Anna Stover Cheyenne Stroshine Morgan Strychalski Sara Swaney Mikayla Webber Michaela Wilson

Chapter advisors Myra Bone Bierbaum, GZ, chapter advisor Kristie Parker Wheeler, EE, financial advisor Nelvette Barnes Fretland, recruitment advisor Gail Howe, Kappa Delta Sorority, membership commitment advisor Nickki Del Pizzo-Schreiner, social responsibility advisor Installation gifts and donations sponsored by: Leslie Kois, Suzanne Hebert, BZ, San Antonio Alumnae Chapter, Diane James, HH, past national president.

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Do you feel like a fraud?

How to overcome impostor syndrome

BY LARA HEACOCK, ZN

4 I have a degree in psychology, an MBA and a Life Coaching Certification, yet I still feel unqualified to write this article.

What’s up with that? Apparently I’m not alone.

A study done at the University of Georgia estimated that 70 percent of people feel the same way, and I think that may be a conservative estimate. It’s called impostor syndrome, and that 70 percent of people includes celebrities such as Natalie Portman and Emma Watson.

Although you may not know it by its formal name, you may recognize the symptoms.

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6 What is impostor syndrome?

Research that began in 1978 with the work of psychotherapists Pauline Clance and Suzanne Imes found that many women with notable achievements also had high levels of self-doubt.

This deep lack of confidence, which couldn’t be equated with anxiety or other disorders, appeared to involve a deep sense of inauthenticity and an inability to internalize their successes.

It’s that feeling that you are about to be found out, that everyone will figure out that you are not qualified enough or that you don’t really deserve an honor or recognition. It is the feeling that anything we accomplish is the result of luck or timing.

Impostor syndrome keeps us small.

4 Impostor syndrome: the signs Do you tend to feel as if you are bothering someone?

This could be reflected in both verbal and written communications when you apologize for asking a question.

You don’t ask for a raise or throw your hat in for a promotion. You assume that everyone must think negatively about you. I’ve been guilty of all of these.

I spent over a decade climbing the corporate ladder and am currently starting my own business.

What is the root of Imposter Syndrome?

Fear.

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“

We fear that if we ask for a promotion, our supervisor will tell us that we do not deserve it.

If we were to take a risk, we will find out we are actually unable to handle it.

Not so fast. In the business world, there’s a concept called “opportunity cost” (the cost of the loss of potential gain from other alternatives when one alternative is chosen). What’s the opportunity cost of playing small?

In my experience, it’s pretty high.

Every time I feel the old familiar fear or hear the inner critic voice that says I’m not worthy or good enough or qualified, I pause. I’ve learned to be grateful for this voice, because she is trying to keep me safe, so I thank her and reassure her that I’ve got this. I can do it, and even if I fail, I will be OK.

5 My journey When I graduated Moravian College, PA, in 1999, life coaching was something I looked into. My degree was in psychology, and I knew that my calling was somewhere in that field. I signed up for mailing lists and newsletters, but in the meantime, I fell into a nine-to-five job that paid well. For a while, I was happy.

I even got a few promotions. Years later, while earning a master's degree in business administration, that old itch came back, and I did some more reading about life coaching.

After eight years in corporate America, I was burned out and started interviewing for jobs away from the industry. A year later, I accepted a job working for a certification training program run by a life coach who I had followed and respected for years. I accepted this job almost 15 years after I knew life coaching was something I wanted to do.

I lived a lot of years suppressing what I really wanted to do because of fear. I also spent those years as a perfectionseeking workaholic.

In the years since I made that decision, I’ve learned a lot. I’ve learned that perfection is highly overrated, relaxation and selfcare are highly underrated, and perhaps most importantly, I’ve learned that I can do things even when they are scary. Fear doesn’t have to be a stopping point. Instead, fear should be a starting point.

As it turns out, once you acknowledge your fear, its hold over you lessens. While it may still be there, it does not consume you once it is out in the open.

I became comfortable with my fear.

I took baby steps. I began letting go of perfection and tolerating some discomfort. You mean people won’t immediately stop being my friend if my home doesn’t look like a Pinterest board? The good ones won’t. I’ve started really spending time with myself, taking the time to take care of myself. One of my favorite quotes is that you cannot pour from an empty vessel. I take care to ensure my vessel is filled.

”

All of this has led to a sense of worthiness that goes deeper than ever before. I’m blessed with a wonderfully supportive spouse and family who want the best for me, but they’ve always been that way. My husband supported me just as much when I was a burnt out recruiter as he does now that I’m starting a business. The change was mine.

Every time I feel fear or hear the inner voice that says I’m not worthy or good enough or qualified, I pause. I’ve learned to be grateful for this voice, because she is trying to keep me safe, so I thank her and reassure her that I’ve got this. I can do it, and even if I fail, I will be OK. That’s the big secret: impostor syndrome doesn’t completely disappear. We simply learn ways to work with it, instead of letting it hold us back.

6 The root causes So, where does all of this start? Historically, girls have been socialized to be nice, quiet, pretty, clean and to care for others. Boys, on the other hand, are rewarded for taking risks and are expected to break rules. Ever hear the phrase, “boys will be boys”? Yeah. That’s not referring to their polite dinner manners. The little girls who were praised and rewarded for being quiet, good girls are now in the workforce alongside all of the little boys who were expected to be rambunctious and boisterous.

Many women grow up identifying as the good girl. The good girl doesn’t make a mess, and she is praised for following the rules.

That becomes our identity.

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Sure, we’ve made some progress in recent decades, but despite the U.S. workforce finally being comprised of 50 percent women, only 14.6 percent of executives and 8.1 percent of top earners are women, according to the Center for American Progress. If you’ve ever been in a board room full of men and women, odds are you’ll notice very different postures between the two genders. Often, we see women physically shrinking, sitting with their shoulders curled forward or hunched over. Now think about the men. They’re relaxing back in their chairs, sometimes their arms are behind their heads. Which gender appears more confident?

3 Overcoming impostor syndrome Social psychologist and associate professor at Harvard Business School, Amy Cuddy, is probably one of the most well-known speakers on impostor syndrome. If you haven’t watched her TED Talk© on power poses, I encourage you to check it out. Amy developed power posing; an idea based on ways police investigators try to make themselves feel more imposing during investigations, according to a 2014 New York Times article. As it turns out, a quick two-minute pose is scientifically proven to increase feelings of confidence.

I genuinely believe the best way to help others is by helping yourself. A few things have stuck with me, one of the most important being take what you want and leave the rest.

Break your silence. When I admitted my deepest fear, that there was nothing underneath the image of perfect, the fear started to lessen and a little freedom crept in. Find some like-minded souls or trusted advisors and open up the conversation.

Use your AND. We tend to think in an OR mentality. I can’t take a risk OR I might fail. What if you take the risk AND you learn something valuable? See the difference? One is fear-based thinking and one opens the door for growth. Look for the AND in the next situation where you’re feeling a little fearful and get curious.

Make a list of your accomplishments. Did you graduate at the top of your class? Were you recognized for a paper or project? Did you land a new client? Write it down. Use a pen and paper – there’s a real difference in how our brain’s process when we write – and make a list. Take your time and really sit with those good feelings.

Own them and add to this list as you accrue successes. Read your list when that inner critic voice starts getting loud.

Dip a toe in. Diving into the deep end is sure to trigger your inner critic and make you run back to the safety of playing small. Try dipping a toe in instead. When you want to achieve something big, start with one small step. Maybe you’re angling for a promotion. Start by talking to someone who worked their way up to learn how they did it. You’ll get insider information on how they did it and may even gain a valuable ally.

Phone a friend. Who are the people who have earned your trust, your trusted advisors? Lean on them; they are your tribe. As Brene Brown so eloquently says, “empathy is the antidote to shame.” Draw strength from your squad, and you take the power away from the shame and fear that are at the root of impostor syndrome.

Ask yourself if it’s really true. Is it really true that you’re not qualified for the promotion or that you don’t have the experience for that project? Really? If you dig deep and look only at the facts, you take the emotion out of it and can see a more logical point of view.

Know that you’re not alone. Know that more likely than not, the person sitting next to you feels the same way and faces the same challenges. It takes some time and practice, but you can learn to work with the inner critic. You can learn to believe that your achievements are truly due to your skills. You can go past your fear and conditioning — do not let impostor syndrome hold you back.

4 Lara Heacock, ZN, is a certified Life

Dialog with the inner critical voice. When she makes her presence known, recognize her as a reaction to fear, one that’s trying to keep you safe. Give her a simple thank you, and let her know you’ve got this now. She may not always listen, but the more you dialog with her and move forward, the more comfortable it gets.

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Coach who helps her clients live lives that feel good on the inside, not just look good on the outside. She owns and is the chief writer for the online magazine KindOverMatter.com. You can find her on Facebook, Instagram, Pinterest and Twitter as KindOverMatter.

I have felt the signs of impostor syndrome

How I overcame the feelings of impostor syndrome

“I am currently in my second year in a PhD program in a psychology field in a large research university in the Midwest. I am in a great cohort of 10. However, I often looked around and thought that everyone else had a much better handle of what was going on than I did. I felt that I did not fit in graduate school since most of my family members did not attend any college; the way I spoke was different and the words I used would sometimes confuse others. I felt like I was continuously code-switching.” – Ann, ZO

“Our cohort started to depend more on one another for success. We were all struggling and none of us felt like we truly belonged in graduate school.

Since we all felt like impostors, it was easier to recognize why we were chosen for the program and how we do belong.”

– Ann, ZO

“I recently got accepted to a Classics conference for a paper. I was debating whether I was worthy of this honor. I felt that I was no way good enough to stand beside the other presenters.” – Katelynn, ZΩ “My own experience came after completing my MBA. I am a registered nurse and that is what my undergraduate degree is in. For me as I transitioned out of the direct care of patients and more into the administrative part of healthcare, I often had feelings of self-doubt. I would often ask myself, what skills am I really bringing to the table to meet the needs of my employer and/or clients I’m supposed to be serving. I felt sort of like it was this fake version of myself and often equated job opportunities as the right place the right time. Also being younger than many of my co-workers didn’t help with this feeling of doubt. I would often try and go above and beyond to the point of burn-out, feeling like I needed to prove myself.” – Christine, ET

“I talked to my professors who told me that they had gone through the same things. They went through my paper and told me that I deserved this conference. Through talking to people who had been through the same thing, I was able to overcome the feeling.”

– Katelynn, ZΩ “For me to overcome this issue, it was a lot of self-discovery and also talking with friends, family and trusted mentors about how I was feeling. When I decided to get a life-coach after a few job setbacks, I began to truly embrace and realize my true talents and the skills I did bring. Being both a nurse and having a business education puts me in a unique position to both look at healthcare in terms of those you help meaning patients, as well as looking at overall cost and bridging those two things to create better long-term outcomes and solutions.” – Christine, ET

www.AlphaSigmaAlpha.org

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C ONVENT I O N P RE V IE W

#IMAGINE2016 Registration is now open for the 2016 National Convention & Leadership Conference in Orlando!

REGISTER AT ALPHASIGMAALPHA.ORG/EVENTS/IMAGINE2016

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CONVENTION SCHEDULE

FEATURED SPEAKERS Glennon Doyle Melton Glennon Doyle Melton, author of the New York Times Best Selling book Carry On, Warrior: The Power of Embracing Your Messy, Beautiful Life and founder of Momastery.com will join us in Orlando on Wednesday evening to share her inspiring life model to live and work with more courage, boldness and purpose.

Glennon established herself helping women find humor, humility and strength by sharing stories on Momastery.com. With us, she will carry on her candid, hilarious and inspirational message.

Jessica Pettitt Jessica Pettitt will bring her experience as a student affairs professional, consultant and standup comedian to Alpha Sigma Alpha in her engaging and interactive program. She will talk about inspiring change and dismantling oppression. Nominated for two years by Campus Activities Magazine for Best Diversity Artist, Jessica’s programs are direct and highly interactive. She will take us on a journey weaving together politics, theory, current events and storytelling with large doses of humor.

CONFERENCE HIGHLIGHTS A lumnae Pre-Conference Alpha Sigma Alpha is providing alumnae an opportunity for personal and professional growth. Pre-conference attendees will participate in a training course coached by StrengthsFinder certified professionals. (Cost of the pre-conference is separate from conference registration, and it includes StrengthsFinder test and results and a four-hour training course. Limited seating available.)

F irst Timers Welcome Being a first-time attendee to the national convention & leadership conference can seem overwhelming. The First Timers Welcome is an opportunity for first-time attendees to review the schedule, tour the property, ask questions and network with other first-time attendees.

4 0th Anniversary Luncheon with Special Olympics Join Alpha Sigma Alpha and Special Olympics as we celebrate the 40th anniversary of our partnership and set the stage for continued generosity in the years to come.

WEDNESDAY, JULY 6 Alumnae preconference Registration open First timers welcome and orientation Welcome and keynote Connections reception THURSDAY, JULY 7 Morning workout Morning opening session Leadership conference 40th anniversary luncheon with Special Olympics First business meeting

L eadership Conference Alpha Sigma Alpha is pleased to host a variety of educational sessions for collegians and alumnae. Sessions will be focused on personal and professional development and will be aligned with the aims and core values of the Sorority.

U niversal CityWalk Take advantage of a program-free evening and join sisters for a night at Universal CityWalk. Eat out, shop and explore one of Orlando’s most popular attractions. (Transportation cost may be purchased through registration.)

F oundation Red Tie Dinner Pack your favorite semi-formal red outfit and join the Alpha Sigma Alpha Foundation at the Red Tie Dinner on Friday, July 8, 2016. This special event celebrates the Foundation’s achievements and mission and honors its donors.

I magine Alpha Sigma Alpha Banquet During this formal banquet, members and guests of our organization will celebrate award winners and will watch the installation ceremony of the elected Alpha Sigma Alpha National Council.

Off-site excursions FRIDAY, JULY 8 Morning workout Second business meeting Volunteer recognition luncheon Alpha Talks Foundation Red Tie Dinner SATURDAY, JULY 9 Morning workout Sanctuary Degree Service Memorial service Third business meeting Imagine Alpha Sigma Alpha Banquet

Visit AlphaSigmaAlpha.org for more information!

www.AlphaSigmaAlpha.org

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2015 A LU MNAE S URV E Y

Alumnae survey This summer we asked Alpha Sigma Alpha alumnae to give feedback about their membership, the national organization and their thoughts on how to enhance both.

PARTICIPANT BREAKDOWN

3,156 24-29 145 ASA members surveyed

age group with highest percentage of participation (21 percent)

chapters that had at least one participant

CHAPTER RECOGNITION

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Active chapters with largest percentage of responses

Inactive chapters with largest percentage of responses

1. Epsilon Gamma Chapter, Virginia Commonwealth University 2. Beta Nu Chapter, Murray State University, KY 3. Beta Sigma Chapter, Missouri State University

1. Beta Gamma Chapter, Northeastern State University, OK 2. Chi Chi Chapter, Ball State University, IN 3. Alpha Alpha Chapter, Miami University, OH

Phoenix of Alpha Sigma Alpha | Winter 2016

••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••

“Alpha Sigma Alpha helped me to shape my goals for who I wanted to be.

I found balance and was able to succeed because of the incredible relationships and support I had.”

WHAT SISTERS SAID ••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••

“Because of my membership in Alpha Sigma Alpha, I have been able to travel the world with new experiences and friendships.”

“Alpha Sigma Alpha taught me to develop a social conscience, act with courage, appreciate personal independence, explore new opportunities and appreciate opinions that are different from my own.”

FEEDBACK

Why did you join Alpha Sigma Alpha?

In what ways are you currently What programs and initiatives involved with Alpha Sigma Alpha? interest you the most?

Sisterhood 38% Social involvement 29% Leadership opportunities 20% Service and giving interests 13%

I follow the Sorority via newsletters, social media, website, etc. 70% I remain in contact with my collegiate chapter 43% I am a member of a local alumnae chapter/association 17% I donate to the Alpha Sigma Alpha Foundation 12%

What benefits do you currently enjoy as an alumna?

Networking opportunities 32% Social events 27% Personal development opportunities 27% Service and giving opportunities 24%

What factors prohibit you from increasing your involvement with Alpha Sigma Alpha?

Time restrictions 50% Geographical restrictions 38% Unaware of available opportunities 38%

Alumnae chapters 63% Volunteer opportunities 41% The Phoenix of Alpha Sigma Alpha magazine 39%

What programs and services would you expect to receive as a result of annual alumnae dues?

Networking opportunities with sisters 56% Online accessible alumnae programming/resources 44% Personal and direct communication from my chapter 43% Advanced alumnae programming at national events 33%

www.AlphaSigmaAlpha.org

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PA SSION

Rediscover your passion I remember, as a kindergartner, setting up a lemonade stand in front of our house. When kind or thirsty patrons would stop and buy a cup, they’d hear me say, “Before I give you your lemonade… a magic trick!”

At age 7, in my own way, I was able to hold these confused, unsuspecting folks hostage for a few moments as their cars idled in the driveway. I would then launch into five minutes of an over-rehearsed spiel, typically culminating in a dozen red-foam rabbits springing from my tiny hands onto the ground.

It was like the bunnies were trying to escape my shenanigans as well.

And so it began.

At age 8, I built a makeshift radio station in the hallway of my house, broadcasting to a listening audience of one: my dog Clancy, also the silent sidekick on my Mr. Microphone-fueled imaginary radio show.

By 9 years old, I’d begun memorizing Steve Martin routines. I couldn’t wait for my parents to have people over. Anyone would do, but bridge groups and parties were the best because they meant a bigger audience.

Out came the milk crates, with a blanket draped over them for a makeshift podium. I’d step up with a broomstick as a microphone and claim center stage, where I’d repeat, verbatim, a comedy routine I’d lifted from a Steve Martin cassette tape. No doubt the laughter that followed came not in response to my great talent, but to the awkwardness of some very inappropriate jokes being spoken by a kid who obviously did not understand at all what he was saying. But they laughed. And a voice deep inside me whispered, “This is what you are meant to do.” Not yet 10 years old, I knew what my passion was.

Nearly four decades later, I find myself blessed to visit and speak to audiences across the United States and beyond, using comedy to provoke thought, to promote kindness, and to celebrate the diversity of others. I enjoy a passionately satisfying career finding the funny that surrounds us in life and mixing it all into a message that makes people

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BY KEVIN WANZER

smile, laugh and feel good about who they are and their part in their family, school, career or community. My favorite part of what I do is helping people rediscover and reconnect to their passions.

Notice I did not say “discover their passions,” but rediscover. I personally believe there are things we are born to love, careers we are born to follow, lives we are born to live...passionately.

Seeking to plug into your passion? Here are some things to consider: 1. What are your life double-take moments? What are some images, professions, words or ideas that, when you read about them or hear them mentioned in the media, you just have to double back to learn more?

2. If you could have your own version of Freaky Friday and swap lives with anyone, who would that be? Who is someone whose life you would like to experience?

3. As a very young child, what did you enjoy doing? What did you pretend, read about, want to know more about and dream about?

4. I f you knew you were absolutely guaranteed to succeed — that failure was not a possibility — what would you choose to do?

5. If you were independently wealthy, so you didn’t need to earn a living from your work, how would you spend your days?

When you’re in your passion, you’re fueled and you’re energized.

You’re the best you, the real you. Celebrate it. And make sure you always stop for the lemonade-stand magician on the side of the road.

Be kind to the people you have the privilege of encountering each day. Kindness and validation, wherever you offer it, always make a difference. Your smile may be the sign that causes someone’s own inner voice to whisper, “This is what you were meant to do.”

Kevin Wanzer is a professional speaker. His program empowers audiences — one laugh at a time. Kevin Wanzer spends his days traveling across the U.S. and beyond sharing his riproaring comedic antics and spreading his message of love, laughter and leadership.

Connect with Kevin on Twitter @KevinWanzer @TheMoreYouNope

ASA F O U NDAT I O N NEWS

ENCOURAGING YOU TO EXPLORE YOUR PASSION AND PURPOSE Jaime Metz Vandergrift, BÎ , is an elementary instructional technologist for the Fayette County Schools in Georgia. As an instructional technology specialist, she has the opportunity to make a difference with students, staff, leadership, and stakeholders every day.

In her role, Jaime works with students and teachers to embrace a learning culture that is new and innovative.

"Right now there is a strong misunderstanding about instructional technology and technology services. Few leaders truly understand that the role of a technology position in your school should be about instruction and training, not cords and wires.

"My role allows me to show that when you have a leader with the same innovative understandings of instructional technology integration and depth of knowledge in teaching and learning, great things can truly happen. It allows me to help create a working model of collaboration and partnerships for instruction, co-teaching and facilitating that makes a difference in the learning journey of our students. Last year I was awarded a career enhancement grant from the Alpha Sigma Alpha Foundation, which I used to attend the International Society for Technology in Education (ISTE) Conference in June 2015.

"As the largest professional conference I attend, it also comes with one of the largest financial obligations.

"The career enhancement grant gave me an opportunity to attend the largest instructional technology and leadership conference in our field. It connected me with like-minded educators who have similar roles to mine and allowed me to spend time sharing ideas, contact information and creating an even deeper professional learning network around the globe.

Career Enhancement Grants The Alpha Sigma Alpha Foundation is committed to assisting Alpha Sigma Alpha members reach their goals and dreams.

One way it upholds this commitment is through offering Career Enhancement Grants. These grants offer financial assistance to alumnae members seeking personal or professional development opportunities that otherwise would not be provided through their current company.

The Career Enhancement Grant is awarded on merit, taking into account the applicant's leadership experience, Alpha Sigma Alpha/community involvement and how well the educational program relates to the individual’s personal or professional development goals.

"Without the career enhancement grant, I would not have been able to attend ISTE. It is an annual conference that brings international technology educators together for a week of learning and sharing.

Attending means connecting with those who value what you value and often gives you a different perspective on your goals. Attending this conference has allowed me to build strong professional connections and to learn many new things about what difference I can make in education.

"My favorite moment from ISTE was watching students in the Google for Education booth try on Google Cardboard for the first time.

Google Cardboard is just that... cardboard. It is manipulated around a smart phone, and connected to the Google Cardboard app with a QR code, one can download virtual reality apps that allow you to be transported into another place by looking into the cardboard. You can go underwater and look around coral reefs, go street view and navigate places you might never be able to see for real. You can take a virtual trip into a mythical village and visually take note of what you see before you. There is no limit to the instructional value of virtual reality, and with Google making a viewer out of cardboard, cost is minimized exponentially. This gives us a great foundation to build on inquiry and questioning in students across educational disciplines.

"Each year, I walk away with a variety of new educational ideas, but the big ideas are the ones that I have found make the biggest difference."

www.AlphaSigmaAlpha.org/ASA-Foundation

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7 1. Alpha Chapter, Longwood University, VA 2. Charlotte Alumnae Chapter, NC 3. Greater Kansas City Alumnae Chapter 4. Greater Valley Forge Alumnae Chapter, PA

5. Theta Omega Chapter, University of New Haven, CT 6. Richmond Alumnae Chapter, VA 7. Theta Eta Chapter, Rogers State University, OK

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1. Theta Epsilon Chapter, Schreiner University, TX 2. Indianapolis Alumnae Chapter 3. Delta Chi Chapter, Bloomsburg University, PA 4. Theta Rho Chapter, West Texas A&M University

5. Beta Theta Chapter, Central Michigan University 6. Epsilon Phi Chapter, Indiana University 7. Epsilon Theta Chapter, Penn State University at Erie-Behrend 8. Dallas Alumnae Chapter

www.AlphaSigmaAlpha.org

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10 1. Boston Alumnae Chapter 2. T heta Beta Chapter, Roanoke College, VA 3. Zeta Gamma Chapter, Gannon University, PA 4. Theta Alpha Chapter, Coe College, IA 5. Beta Kappa Chapter, Western Illinois University 6. Gamma Gamma Chapter, Northwestern Oklahoma State University

7. Beta Upsilon Chapter, Indiana State University 8. Theta Mu Chapter, Valdosta State University, GA 9. Delta Chi Chapter, Bloomsburg University, PA 10. Gamma Mu Chapter, Adrian College, MI

www.AlphaSigmaAlpha.org

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1. Alpha Chapter, Longwood University, VA 2. Zeta Tau Chapter, Grand Valley State University, MI 3. Theta Delta Chapter, University of Alaska-Anchorage 4. Theta Phi Chapter, University of North Carolina-Pembroke 5. Theta Omicron Chapter, University of Missouri-Kansas City 6. Chicago North Suburban Alumnae Chapter 7. Zeta Kappa Chapter, Minnesota State University-Mankato 8. Zeta Alpha Chapter, Missouri Southern State University

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15 9. Epsilon Upsilon Chapter, California University of Pennsylvania 10. Theta Omega Chapter, University of New Haven, CT 11. Theta Upsilon Chapter, Boise State University, ID 12. Beta Upsilon Chapter, Indiana State University 13. Delta Epsilon Chapter, Mansfield University, PA 14. Theta Eta Chapter, Rogers State University, OK 15. Zeta Eta Chapter, Rockhurst University, MO 16. Theta Zeta, Indiana University Purdue University Indianapolis

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www.AlphaSigmaAlpha.org

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ASA PA L M S

ASA Palms The word palm means tribute, honor or praise. Alpha Sigma Alpha gives palms to alumnae and collegians for their successes and milestones.

Celebrating a personal, professional or volunteer success? Tell us about it!

Send your success stories to the editor at kmatis@AlphaSigmaAlpha.org.

Beta Gamma Chapter, Northeastern State University, OK Erica Crane Hering was elected as the president of the American Association of Meat Processors. Erica worked her way through the AAMP board chairman positions, serving as the association’s first vice president and treasurer before she took charge of her presidential duties in 2015.

Erica is a third generation processor and grew up in the industry.

Her family shared their decades worth of experience, and she learned the many sides of the business. Processing, delivery services, wholesale accounts and running a retail store are just a few of the skills she has picked up over the years. For decades, her family has made national award winning beef jerky, smoked sausage, barbeque, bacon and ham. Their products have won championship awards in the OklahomaTexas Meat Processors contest, the American Cured Meat Championships, and they have been featured in several major industry magazines.

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Phoenix of Alpha Sigma Alpha | Winter 2016

Beta Nu Chapter, Murray State University, KY Susan Duncan Compton recently became president of Southern States Bank. Susan joined the bank, most recently from BB&T, with more than 25 years of banking experience.

Susan graduated from Murray State University, KY, with a degree in computer information systems. She went on to get her MBA at the University of Missouri-Columbia. She is active in the United Way of Central Alabama and has chaired the Start! Heart Walk for the American Heart Association, where she had served a two-year term as chairwoman. She is the vice president of the Vestavia Hills Park and Recreation Foundation and serves as a cabinet member with its Partners in Healthy Living campaign.

Gamma Lambda Chapter, Loyola University of Chicago

Zeta Zeta Chapter, University of Central Missouri

Karin Anderson Abrell, Ph. D., released her new book, Single is the New Black.

Dr. Michelle Granger released a new textbook, The Fashion Industry and Its Careers: An Introduction. Michelle is a professor at Missouri State University’s department of management where she teaches entrepreneurship and business communication. She has received awards for her work from the International Textile and Apparel Association for Special Recognition in Outstanding Fashion Merchandising Education, the college teaching award, and a college advising award.

With a Ph.D. in psychology and 27 years on the dating scene, Dr. Karin brings life experience and academic acumen to her expertise on love and relationships. www.DrKarin.me

Delta Zeta Chapter, University of Wisconsin-Whitewater Shirley Wikum Hildreth was honored by the South Bay Alumnae Panhellenic, CA, with the 2015 Athena Award for service to Sorority, South Bay Alumnae Panhellenic, community and career.

Shirley has been active in the South Bay Alumnae Panhellenic organization in San Jose, CA, for several years, and she served as the South Bay Alumnae Panhellenic President in 2012-13.

Zeta Zeta Chapter, University of Central Missouri Melody Place Edmondson released her new book, Book 1: The Guide Book Your Fashion Guide Based on Body Shape and the Space of the Space.

Amazon.com

www.AlphaSigmaAlpha.org

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ASA PAL M S

Delta Nu-B, Kettering University, MI Marci Beyer McGuire received the 2015 Kettering University Human Relations Award.

Marci is an engineering group manager at General Motors with responsibility for engine control algorithms. The award recognizes graduates who have rendered significant contributions that inspire unity at Kettering, in the workplace or in the community.

Delta Nu-A, Kettering University, MI Sheri Houston Hickok received the 2015 Kettering University Management Achievement Award. Sheri is the chief engineer at Next Gen Full Size Truck for General Motors. The award recognizes graduates who have made specific contributions with positive and lasting effects in the field of management.

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Phoenix of Alpha Sigma Alpha | Winter 2016

1 Campus Queens Congratulations to our collegians who were crowned queens!

1. Epsilon Gamma Chapter, Virginia Commonwealth University Amy Chong 2. Gamma Clio Chapter, SUNY-Cortland Sammy Massaro 3. Theta Gamma Chapter, Christopher Newport University, VA Mary Kate Hovanic 4. Theta Tau Chapter, Capital University, OH Grace Day 5. Zeta Alpha Chapter, Missouri Southern State University Nicolette Wise 6. Z eta Sigma Chapter, University of the Incarnate Word, TX Amanda Hackett 7. Z eta Omicron Chapter, Muskingum University, OH Olivia Brown 8. Zeta Mu Chapter, Missouri Western State University Ljubica Basic 9. E psilon Phi Chapter, Indiana University Ashley Martinez 10. E ta Eta Chapter, Pittsburg State University, KS Ellie Stewart 11. B eta Lambda Chapter, University of Central Arkansas Karlie Nattier, Miss Marion County 2015

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NEWS AND E V E N T S

Alpha Sigma Alpha launches MobileServe app Alpha Sigma Alpha is pleased to launch MobileServe, your new mobile app designed to track your service and charitable giving hours.

Alumnae and collegians now have exclusive access to this app, and they are able to track every hour of service and charitable giving on their phone.

All hours submitted will be compiled together as quickly as you can click, “submit!”

Use this information to: • share statistics on your resume.

• share statistics in your LinkedIn profile.

• report to your employer.

• r eflect on your service and giving activity each month/year.

• c ompile reports about your chapter’s service and giving hours (collegiate).

•u se statistics to submit service and giving reports/ annual reports on Officer Portal (collegiate).

Alumnae: Use the exclusive alumnae code ASAALU to access the app after you download.

Collegians: Download the app today with the exclusive code sent to you via email.

Do you have questions about downloading or using the app? Contact us at asa@AlphaSigmaAlpha.org.

Ready? Set. Serve!

MOST POPULAR SOCIAL MEDIA POSTS FACEBOOK >

More than 5,700 sisters liked, commented or shared this post on Founders’ Day 2015 on Nov. 15. More than 180,000 people saw it on their newsfeed.

INSTAGRAM >

More than 700 sisters liked this image from Delta Eta Chapter, DePaul University, IL, which shared the first snow letters sighting of the season in mid-November.

MOST POPULAR BLOG POSTS 1. A lexis Cain becomes first woman to receive certificate in her program 2. Theta Beta alumna’s inspiring marathon finish 3. Beta Epsilon Chapter raises $17,000 for adopted family 4. Dorcas Reilly creates Thanksgiving staple 5. Zeta Omega alumna named hometown hero

FALL 2015 SNAPSHOT

1,896 80,207 730 52

new members in fall 2015

total members

alumnae and collegians attended District Day in the fall (Districts 2, 3 and 8)

a dvisors attended Advisor Institute in the fall (Districts 2, 3 and 8)

A lpha Sigma Alpha is coming to Texas A&MTexarkana University – Spring 2016 Interested in getting involved?

Contact asa@AlphaSigmaAlpha.org.

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Phoenix of Alpha Sigma Alpha | Winter 2016

archives

from the

Forty years ago, Alpha Sigma Alpha established its partnership with the Special Olympics. The cover of the winter issue of the Phoenix marks the beginning of our dedication to spread awareness and offer much-needed assistance to this organization. www.AlphaSigmaAlpha.org

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9002 Vincennes Circle | Indianapolis, IN 46268-3018

WOMAN OF

Poise and Purpose I knew Alpha Sigma Alpha was my home because of the service and giving efforts of my older sisters.

We are taught to pass our torch undimmed, but in a way, because Alpha Sigma Alpha is a daily part of my life, I feel like I still carry my torch.

Animal welfare is my passion. Every day I am working with animals I feel as though I am living it to the ultimate good. Fellow advocates and I founded an advocacy group called Choctaw Alabama PAWS Inc., where we advocate for animals, educate owners and provide financial assistance and spay and neuter services. We are also working to open an animal shelter in our county.

I am a woman of poise and purpose.

I can only hope the torch I carry burns bright enough to light others as well.

Erika Putnam, ZR Community Liaison Town of Butler, AL